United Methodism 101: The Wesleyan Quadrilateral
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14–17
Tradition: 2 Thessalonians 2:13–15
Experience: John 4:28–30, 39–42
Reason: Proverbs 2:1–6

Key Verse: “All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” 2 Timothy 3:16 NRSV

Background: For John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, Scripture was central and primary. But Scripture can be interpreted any number of ways. Some religious traditions write a statement of belief (often called a confession), and use that as their interpretive principle. John Wesley, however, relied on the tradition of the church over the centuries, his and other Christian’s experience of God in their lives, and our God-given ability to think and reason as he interpreted Scripture. This approach became known as the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. (A quadrilateral is a shape with four sides). It remains a core part of how United Methodists do theology and interpret Scripture.

Community: How can Scripture, Tradition, Experience, and Reason help address the issues our community faces?

At Home: Was the Quadrilateral new to you? What “side” most resonates with you? Why?

Read This Week:
Monday, September 1 God gives wisdom to the wise Daniel 2:20–23
Tuesday, September 2 Listen to your Parents Proverbs 23:22–23
Wednesday, September 3 Solomon’s wisdom a gift from God 1 Kings 4:29–34
Thursday, September 4 Built on the Word Matthew 7:24–27
Friday, September 5 Guarding the Good Treasure 2 Timothy 1:11–14
Saturday,September 6 Introducing Noah Genesis 6:9-22

Sunday, September 7 Flood And Promise Genesis 8:14-9:17